Description

Golden, crispy, and loaded with flavor, these yellow squash tots are a kid-approved, gluten-free snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy exterior and tender inside, they’re a delicious way to enjoy extra veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium yellow squash (about 1 lb), washed, ends trimmed, and grated
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup plain or gluten-free breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Wash and trim ends off yellow squash. Grate finely using a box grater or food processor.
Place grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You should have about 2 cups of squeezed squash.
In a large mixing bowl, combine squeezed squash, eggs, cheddar, parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion mixture. Shape each into a small oval or cylinder (about 1-inch long) and place on prepared baking sheet.
Lightly mist tots with olive oil spray.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and firm.
Optional: For air fryer, place shaped tots in a single layer and air fry at 390°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Let tots cool for 2–3 minutes on the tray before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dip.

Notes

Always squeeze out excess moisture from squash for crispy tots. Don’t overmix the mixture. For gluten-free, use oat or rice crumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and nutritional yeast. Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor. Tots can be shaped ahead and refrigerated before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–5 tots (about 100g)
Calories: 110
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 250
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: yellow squash tots, veggie tots, gluten-free snack, kid-friendly, healthy snack, oven baked, air fryer, vegetarian, crispy, easy recipe